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People became tired over the same old shallow theology of anti-calvinist and non-calvinist churches. It seems the sheep wanted fed, they wanted truth, and they found both in the Doctrines of Grace and Biblical expository preaching churches.
The churches that aren't solid in doctrine really became a place to hear an "uplifting encouraging message," and the infamous "how to" messages laden in psycho-babble. That is what they heard because the messages were made to draw a crowd and using carnal methods that appealed to the flesh and to covetous, selfish desires. Not many pastors are studious enough to bring it when they preach, and sorry to say too many of them ad lib. If they do try exposition it misses so much that frankly it's pathetic.
Sorry if that seems a bit harsh (and really, I just don't care to be honest) but the theological ineptness in our churches needs addressed. It is sad. We have some on here that ridicule others for their biblical acumen and knowledge and castigate them over it as if they should be ashamed. Allegedly ignorance is spirituality. If that were true then we have a lot of people that are really, really spiritual.
But Scripture has a lot to say about growing in knowledge, of how very important it is, that it is an imperative. Study is commended as well as defense of truth.
The churches that aren't solid in doctrine really became a place to hear an "uplifting encouraging message," and the infamous "how to" messages laden in psycho-babble. That is what they heard because the messages were made to draw a crowd and using carnal methods that appealed to the flesh and to covetous, selfish desires. Not many pastors are studious enough to bring it when they preach, and sorry to say too many of them ad lib. If they do try exposition it misses so much that frankly it's pathetic.
Sorry if that seems a bit harsh (and really, I just don't care to be honest) but the theological ineptness in our churches needs addressed. It is sad. We have some on here that ridicule others for their biblical acumen and knowledge and castigate them over it as if they should be ashamed. Allegedly ignorance is spirituality. If that were true then we have a lot of people that are really, really spiritual.
But Scripture has a lot to say about growing in knowledge, of how very important it is, that it is an imperative. Study is commended as well as defense of truth.
A
Yeah both Calvinist and reformed believe that People can reject God's grace.
The difference is that Reformed folks believe if God elects someone, He will change their hearts and minds until they accept Him.
I believe free willers do too but they focus on the believers "choose", while reformed folks focus on God's Will.
I really don't know what the issues between the camps are besides different terminology and a lot of misunderstanding of the same terms used in a different manner.
Does the reformed camp accept the Council of Trent?
I noticed the term "Prevenient grace " was used in their documents too.
The difference is that Reformed folks believe if God elects someone, He will change their hearts and minds until they accept Him.
I believe free willers do too but they focus on the believers "choose", while reformed folks focus on God's Will.
I really don't know what the issues between the camps are besides different terminology and a lot of misunderstanding of the same terms used in a different manner.
Does the reformed camp accept the Council of Trent?
I noticed the term "Prevenient grace " was used in their documents too.
A
People became tired over the same old shallow theology of anti-calvinist and non-calvinist churches. It seems the sheep wanted fed, they wanted truth, and they found both in the Doctrines of Grace and Biblical expository preaching churches.
The churches that aren't solid in doctrine really became a place to hear an "uplifting encouraging message," and the infamous "how to" messages laden in psycho-babble. That is what they heard because the messages were made to draw a crowd and using carnal methods that appealed to the flesh and to covetous, selfish desires. Not many pastors are studious enough to bring it when they preach, and sorry to say too many of them ad lib. If they do try exposition it misses so much that frankly it's pathetic.
Sorry if that seems a bit harsh (and really, I just don't care to be honest) but the theological ineptness in our churches needs addressed. It is sad. We have some on here that ridicule others for their biblical acumen and knowledge and castigate them over it as if they should be ashamed. Allegedly ignorance is spirituality. If that were true then we have a lot of people that are really, really spiritual.
But Scripture has a lot to say about growing in knowledge, of how very important it is, that it is an imperative. Study is commended as well as defense of truth.
The churches that aren't solid in doctrine really became a place to hear an "uplifting encouraging message," and the infamous "how to" messages laden in psycho-babble. That is what they heard because the messages were made to draw a crowd and using carnal methods that appealed to the flesh and to covetous, selfish desires. Not many pastors are studious enough to bring it when they preach, and sorry to say too many of them ad lib. If they do try exposition it misses so much that frankly it's pathetic.
Sorry if that seems a bit harsh (and really, I just don't care to be honest) but the theological ineptness in our churches needs addressed. It is sad. We have some on here that ridicule others for their biblical acumen and knowledge and castigate them over it as if they should be ashamed. Allegedly ignorance is spirituality. If that were true then we have a lot of people that are really, really spiritual.
But Scripture has a lot to say about growing in knowledge, of how very important it is, that it is an imperative. Study is commended as well as defense of truth.
They should also be able to speak to people where they are at and help them move upwards towards where God wants them to be. Independent reading of the Bible and prayer should be encouraged in all Christians.
I am not sure how people move through life without both.
A
And, FTR, by the time a person has "chosen" God, they were already regenerate in the first place. Human will and decision don't clinch salvation; John 1:13; Romans 9:16; James 1:18, God does that; 1 Peter 1:3.
God tells us to believe and have faith. It's not a work. We don't boast in our faith. We boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. I don't think I said that because I don't believe that the faith isn't mine.......even though I have nothing without God, He gave it to me, but it's mine alone.
God doesn't believe for me. It's my faith. Just like when I finish the coarse and have run the race and go to be with my Maker, He will judge me according to my works, even though He enables me to do all that I do. Even though it's the Lord at work in me. He gets the glory, but it's still my works, just like it's my faith......He gave it to me and it's all mine. It's not yours, it's not my husbands or anyone elses, it's all mine. \o/ praise the Lord!!!
I will be judged by my works when it's time to stand before God to give Him an account. He will not blame Himself and say gee I forgot to do that for you. No, I will give account for all He's enabled me to do ........hopefully I will run the race well like Paul, I don't want to be ashamed of what I didn't do, or what I did do that wasn't of Him. But I also know He will forgive me completely.
P
6 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. The Lord has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.
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Free will: the ability to choose right and wrong
God's moral code determines what is right and wrong and by God's Prevenient grace all are given this code and taught what God expects. However human nature is basically selfish and concerned with personal desires of the flesh more than the things of God. Therefore they will most often chose evil unless by additional means of grace God calls them and changes the desires of their heart and teaches them the wisdom of following God's laws and will. Removing the thorns and rocks and chasing away the birds to prepare the heart soil for the Gospel seed.
Then people feel a godly sorrow unto repentance and are able to "choose" God and confess from the heart faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
God's moral code determines what is right and wrong and by God's Prevenient grace all are given this code and taught what God expects. However human nature is basically selfish and concerned with personal desires of the flesh more than the things of God. Therefore they will most often chose evil unless by additional means of grace God calls them and changes the desires of their heart and teaches them the wisdom of following God's laws and will. Removing the thorns and rocks and chasing away the birds to prepare the heart soil for the Gospel seed.
Then people feel a godly sorrow unto repentance and are able to "choose" God and confess from the heart faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
We have a Calvary Chapel family at the end of the cul de sac. I've tried to get him to listen to James White by mentioning his name, yet he isn't aware we are "calvinists." or even who White is.
I heard and excerpt somewhere with Chuck Smith minimizing theology and doctrine. Then he quoted a few verses and commented on them, and, unknowingly, well, he just contradicted his former statement, LOL!!
I heard and excerpt somewhere with Chuck Smith minimizing theology and doctrine. Then he quoted a few verses and commented on them, and, unknowingly, well, he just contradicted his former statement, LOL!!
And joy can only apply to a saint.Happy among people of the world at times,but joy among the saints.
Jesus said,I give you joy that no person takes away,for no matter how the world treats the saints,or their problems,that joy is always there,and they cannot lose it,for joy is not controlled by human emotion,but controlled by God.
Happiness is controlled by people,so they can lose it temporarily at times,but joy is controlled by God,so they can never lose it for it cannot be turned off by people,as happiness can at times.
That is why the Bible says the joy of the LORD is our strength,for it keeps us living for God,and loving people,and keeps our chin up,when adversity strikes from the world,and we have problems.
Peace that passes all understanding,joy that no person takes away,comfort from the Spirit that we cannot lose,all controlled by God,which is why a person in the truth led by the Spirit,does not get down in the dumps like the world,despite problems,does not get a distraught,and confused mind,for their benefit to keep them upbeat is all controlled by God,and not them,so they cannot lose any of those attributes,for it is not a human emotion.
Jesus said,I give you joy that no person takes away,for no matter how the world treats the saints,or their problems,that joy is always there,and they cannot lose it,for joy is not controlled by human emotion,but controlled by God.
Happiness is controlled by people,so they can lose it temporarily at times,but joy is controlled by God,so they can never lose it for it cannot be turned off by people,as happiness can at times.
That is why the Bible says the joy of the LORD is our strength,for it keeps us living for God,and loving people,and keeps our chin up,when adversity strikes from the world,and we have problems.
Peace that passes all understanding,joy that no person takes away,comfort from the Spirit that we cannot lose,all controlled by God,which is why a person in the truth led by the Spirit,does not get down in the dumps like the world,despite problems,does not get a distraught,and confused mind,for their benefit to keep them upbeat is all controlled by God,and not them,so they cannot lose any of those attributes,for it is not a human emotion.
A
It always bugs me when people make words like theology, religion and doctrine like dirty words that shouldn't be mentioned.
Folks have to be able to learn to discern from bad theology and false religions and doctrines and know that God provides true versions of each that Satan imitates and twists to lead people away from God instead of towards Him.
I have observed two methods.
1. A personable likeable cult leader with bad DOCTRINE and a false gospel.
2. An abrasive, rude, hypocritical Pharisee with perfect doctrine.
People accept the first and His false doctrines,or. Reject the second and His true doctrines.
Either way, Satan wins another soul kept enslaved to lies and decpetions.
Folks have to be able to learn to discern from bad theology and false religions and doctrines and know that God provides true versions of each that Satan imitates and twists to lead people away from God instead of towards Him.
I have observed two methods.
1. A personable likeable cult leader with bad DOCTRINE and a false gospel.
2. An abrasive, rude, hypocritical Pharisee with perfect doctrine.
People accept the first and His false doctrines,or. Reject the second and His true doctrines.
Either way, Satan wins another soul kept enslaved to lies and decpetions.
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I find it personally quit intimidating to put labels on what brand of Christianity I follow.
I'm not educated in the field of theology, or any of that stuff (as you can tell). Lol.
Knowing the lords thoughts and ways are higher than all of ours combined settles most matters for me. Trust is my main principle in faith. Trust in him and his word. To finish the work he has started in me as well as in all.
Putting labels on our beliefs imo puts God in a box rather than defines what type of Christianity I hold to be true.
I'm not educated in the field of theology, or any of that stuff (as you can tell). Lol.
Knowing the lords thoughts and ways are higher than all of ours combined settles most matters for me. Trust is my main principle in faith. Trust in him and his word. To finish the work he has started in me as well as in all.
Putting labels on our beliefs imo puts God in a box rather than defines what type of Christianity I hold to be true.
Calvinism was really difficult for me to understand. It took me months to get what they're saying. So if you don't get Arminianism it's understandable.
We believe the same thing.......we're saved by Grace through Faith. It's how God that truth is applied where we differ. We still believe in God's Sovereignty. He sets the plan of salvation, we had nothing to do with it. The Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit were the ones that made the blueprint. When the two sides read the blueprints, there is something wrong with our eyesight, perception, whatever because we don't see things alike.
We get to act on our faith as we're saved by grace through faith and you don't. I guess your faith comes afterwards because you have to be born again first. While I believe the gospel by faith and am born again. You believe that man is so depraved that he can't respond to God. I believe that man can respond to God even though he's depraved.
And yes, God said by grace through faith. So yeah, it's my faith, not yours. God gives each one of us faith to believe, but it's our very own. That's how your faith is accounted as righteousness for you and not for me.
So at the end of the day, do I love God and believe I'm saved by grace through faith? Do you? Yes, I believe we do, but God knows for sure. Is this something that should separate us? I believe that we can be saved in spite of what our doctrinal accuracies or errors are. It's truly how we live out our life that determines if we truly have faith. If the Holy Spirit is within us we will produce the fruits of the Spirit and we will walk in obedience. We cannot, but do the works of God and produce the fruit of righteousness.
We believe the same thing.......we're saved by Grace through Faith. It's how God that truth is applied where we differ. We still believe in God's Sovereignty. He sets the plan of salvation, we had nothing to do with it. The Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit were the ones that made the blueprint. When the two sides read the blueprints, there is something wrong with our eyesight, perception, whatever because we don't see things alike.
We get to act on our faith as we're saved by grace through faith and you don't. I guess your faith comes afterwards because you have to be born again first. While I believe the gospel by faith and am born again. You believe that man is so depraved that he can't respond to God. I believe that man can respond to God even though he's depraved.
And yes, God said by grace through faith. So yeah, it's my faith, not yours. God gives each one of us faith to believe, but it's our very own. That's how your faith is accounted as righteousness for you and not for me.
So at the end of the day, do I love God and believe I'm saved by grace through faith? Do you? Yes, I believe we do, but God knows for sure. Is this something that should separate us? I believe that we can be saved in spite of what our doctrinal accuracies or errors are. It's truly how we live out our life that determines if we truly have faith. If the Holy Spirit is within us we will produce the fruits of the Spirit and we will walk in obedience. We cannot, but do the works of God and produce the fruit of righteousness.
We have a Calvary Chapel family at the end of the cul de sac. I've tried to get him to listen to James White by mentioning his name, yet he isn't aware we are "calvinists." or even who White is.
I heard and excerpt somewhere with Chuck Smith minimizing theology and doctrine. Then he quoted a few verses and commented on them, and, unknowingly, well, he just contradicted his former statement, LOL!!
I heard and excerpt somewhere with Chuck Smith minimizing theology and doctrine. Then he quoted a few verses and commented on them, and, unknowingly, well, he just contradicted his former statement, LOL!!